Rio Ferdinand was pleased to avoid playing an English team in the quarter-final of the UEFA Champions League. The England international was happy to face Porto and was confidant that Man United will win this time and won’t repeat 2004 scenario, when Porto knocked out Man United and finished champions.
Rio said in an interview with Manutd.com “I’m pleased to have avoided the English teams at this stage, emotionally and physically it would have been draining – probably more than against a European team – because there’s so much that goes along with playing English sides in this tournament. We know that firsthand from playing Chelsea last season.
“But we don’t look too far ahead at the semi-finals. We’re just focused on the quarter-final and won’t be disrespecting Porto by looking at who we can play in the next round. We have to beat them first.
I predicted that we would face Bayern Munchen. Cristiano Ronaldo talked about the threat they can bring. Now, the way to Roma looks easy, at least on paper, and the lads will just need to focus in the pitch to repeat last year Glory.